CHAPTER 25
Prince Nicholas Andreevich Bolkonski's daughter, princess Mary, is introduced. Prince Nicholas is described as being very strict, feared, and somewhat cold towards his children. He believes that the most virtuous life is one of activity and intelligence. For this reason, he maps out Mary's life, giving her lessons in geometry and always keeping her busy so that she won't become dumb like the other ladies. On this day, he calls the fearful Mary into his office to go over some math. He gives her a letter from Julie Karagina who writes to her about loving Nicholas Rostov and about the death and inheritance of the Count. (The Count left everything to Pierre, a little to his three daughters, and nothing to Vasili). She also informs the princess that Vasili is planning on setting her up with his son, Anatole. Lastly, Julie sends Mary a book that she suggests Mary to ponder over, but Mary says that the Bible is the only book worth reading. Mary seems very grounded in Christianity and replies that it is her Christian duty to marry, so it doesn't matter who.
*Anatole and Mary do not seem like a good match, considering that Mary is so reserved and Christian and Anatole is a party animal of sorts*
*Mary claims the Bible to be the only book worth reading because you can't ponder it too much since what's written must be read as fact. But shouldn't this be the book to ponder over the most?*
Important Quotes
[Mary to her father]: "Princess
Mary entered the antechamber as usual at the time appointed for the
morning greeting, crossing herself with trepidation and repeating a silent
prayer. Every morning she came in like that, and every morning prayed that
the daily interview might pass off well."
Nicholas:"Mathematics are most important, madam! I don't want to
have you like our silly ladies. Get used to it and you'll like it," and he
patted her cheek. "It will drive all the nonsense out of your head."
"The princess looked in a scared way at her father's eyes glittering close
to her; the red patches on her face came and went, and it was plain that
she understood nothing and was so frightened that her fear would prevent
her understanding any of her father's further explanations, however clear
they might be."
Julie: "The chief news, about which all Moscow
gossips, is the death of old Count Bezukhov, and his inheritance. Fancy!
The three princesses have received very little, Prince Vasili nothing, and
it is Monsieur Pierre who has inherited all the property and has besides
been recognized as legitimate"
Mary: "I pity
Prince Vasili but am still more sorry for Pierre. So young, and burdened
with such riches—to what temptations he will be exposed! If I were
asked what I desire most on earth, it would be to be poorer than the
poorest beggar."
Mary: "I never
could understand the fondness some people have for confusing their minds
by dwelling on mystical books that merely awaken their doubts and excite
their imagination, giving them a bent for exaggeration quite contrary to
Christian simplicity."
Mary: "However painful it may be to me, should the Almighty lay the
duties of wife and mother upon me I shall try to perform them as
faithfully as I can, without disquieting myself by examining my feelings
toward him whom He may give me for husband."
CHAPTER 26
Prince Andrew, Nicholas' son, and his pregnant, little wife arrive at the house when Nicholas is napping. They go see Mary first as to not disturb Nicholas. She is alone, playing the clavichord. When she and Andrew's wife see each other, they embrace wildly. Mary finds out that her brother is going to war the next day. When Nicholas sees Andrew, he asks him about the plan for the war and Andrew explains how Russia is ready with many armies to pressure the other neutral countries to side with them. Nicholas, however, doesn't even seem interested in the conversation.
Important Quotes
"He explained how an
army, ninety thousand strong, was to threaten Prussia so as to bring her
out of her neutrality and draw her into the war; how part of that army was
to join some Swedish forces at Stralsund; how two hundred and twenty
thousand Austrians, with a hundred thousand Russians, were to operate in
Italy and on the Rhine; how fifty thousand Russians and as many English
were to land at Naples, and how a total force of five hundred thousand men
was to attack the French from different sides."
CHAPTER 27
Dinner is served and Prince Andrew, Mary, the little princess (Lise), Prince Nicholas, and his random architect friend, Michael Ivanovich, all sit together. Nicholas listens to the latest gossip a bit from Andrew's wife, but soon changes the topic to war and politics. Nicholas is very smart and knows very much about war tactics and Napoleon, which surprises Andrew since his father lives so far away from everyone.
Important Quotes
[Andrew]: "He listened,
refraining from a reply, and involuntarily wondered how this old man,
living alone in the country for so many years, could know and discuss so
minutely and acutely all the recent European military and political
events. "
Little Princess: "What a clever man your father is," said she; "perhaps that is why I am
afraid of him."
"Oh, he is so kind!" answered Princess Mary.
CHAPTER 28
Prince Andrew is getting ready to leave for the war. Mary comes in to talk to him as he is packing and tells him to try and understand how fragile and scared Lise is that he is leaving her. Andrew asks Mary how she likes their father to which she replies that she loves him, but Andrew can tell he is too strict on Mary. Mary just wishes father could be more religious and she gives Andrew a necklace of Jesus to take to war. Andrew goes to say bye to his father who tells him thanks for not making a big scene of leaving. He tells Andrew that it's his duty to serve. Andrew asks his father to look after Lise and that, is she gives birth to a son, he wants his father to take care of him. Nicholas then entrusts Andrew with all his important manuscripts in case he dies.
Important Quotes
Mary: "As Sterne says: 'We don't love people so
much for the good they have done us, as for the good we have done them.'"
Mary: "I am so contented and happy with
him. I only wish you were all as happy as I am."
Her brother shook his head incredulously.
"The only thing that is hard for me... I will tell you the truth,
Andrew... is Father's way of treating religious subjects. I don't
understand how a man of his immense intellect can fail to see what is as
clear as day, and can go so far astray. That is the only thing that makes
me unhappy."
Nicholas: "Kiss me here," and he touched his cheek: "Thanks, thanks!"
Andrew: "What do you thank me for?"
Nicholas: "For not dilly-dallying and not hanging to a woman's apron strings. The
Service before everything. Thanks, thanks!"
Andrew: "if I'm killed and if
I have a son, do not let him be taken away from you—as I said
yesterday... let him grow up with you.... Please."
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